The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1887-03-25

had cost twice rs much as would the
coveted set Of Shakespeare. Even then.
a ten-dollar bill was lying in her pocket
book. which she would willingly have
given to her penniless friend. had Kittie
been less proud and independent. As
it was, she dared not offer her any
money. and sat for some minutes in
silent perplexity. twining Kittie's curls
around her finger. and occasionally
giving them . gentle little pull.
''Dearie. it is too bad" she said nj
last, with such heartfelt sympathy in
her voice that Kitty felt somewhat COM
fortcd. ''Why don't you paint him an
Easter card. kittie? You Gan make
such beautiful ones;" and she glanced
admiringly at dainty card on he:
bureau. which Kittie had given her a.
Christmas. But kittie shook her head
energetically. Don't suggest such a
thing. l implorc you. What have
given any one for the last three years
but carls? Fred has informed me.
with brothers delightful frankness.
that he did not believe there was room
in the house for another card. and if I
would rs lief he would much prefer that
hereafter ! give him something else.
''But you do make such lovely ones"
persisted Edith. "Mr Brereton hasn't
any that will compare with those
which you have given me. Twas in
his store the other day buying some
paper. when Mrs. Ainsworth came in
to look at some Easter cards. She told
him that she wanted to see some of his
handsomest ones: she wouldn't take
any that he showed her. but am sure
that even she would have been salts
fed with yours?'
kittic smiled incredulously. She
knew that Edith was inclined to re-
gard her work as perfect. bat Kittie's
brothers were accustomed to criticise
her artistic attempts, and their COM
ments We're so severe that her temper
was often tried to the utmost. That
Edith.was really more compctentjudge
than they. did not once occur to her,
for she was singularly destitute of all
self-cOnceit
Suddenly Edith sprang up from her
place and looked down ut Kittie with
unusual animation. katharine. l
have an idea! No. don't arch your eye
brows rs if You wer surprised at the
fact: That expression is not at all be-
coming to you. Perhaps, though"
she continued more slowly. you'll not
like my idea after all. 1t WAS simply
this: Mrs. Ainsworth seemed SO disap-
pointed at not finding any cards that
thought you might offer to paint some
for her. She could not hep liking
yours"
kittie sprang from her chair. flushed
and excited. Edith. do you honestly
think that could make some which
would suit her. 1 would be glad to do
it! Mr.. Brereton really has no pretty
ones at all, l have seen them: but
wouldn't she think me very presuring?
hardly know her"
Never mind that" said Edith with
a sagacious little nod. Il II do the talk
ing for You because I am somewhat |
with Mrs. Ainsworth. Do |
You want to see her to-day.
''Yes indeed do: if wait. I shall |
not hare the courage to go 1t all. Can
you go nows"
Yes" assented Filth. and the two
girls were soon equipped for the walk.
Edith carrying along the pretty Chr 81
mas card. This is Your letter of in |
kittie." she said merrilv.
Mrs. Ainsworth had lived in the town
onlya few months. and was still a
stranger to most of the
Younger people. Yet her face WAS so
sweet and attractive that the girls felt
sure of 4 pleasant call. even if they
should not be successful on their
errand.
Yes. Mrs Ainsworth was at home"
the Neat servant girl said, and led the
way to the handsome library, where
the lady was seated. Her greetin. to
Edith was very cordial. and nearly half
m hour passed in such pleasant con-
rersation that Edith forgot how anx-
ous kittie must be To know her fate.
At last. encountering an appealing
glance from the dark eyes. she determ-
ned to speak at once. but it was not
such IN easy task As she had imagined
t to be. Before she could quite de-
ermine how TO introduce the subject.
Mrs. Ainsworth broke the brief silence.
Miss Edith. would You be SO kind as
20 let me have nearer view Of that
'ard in your hand? get such tan
a!iz;ng glimpse of it from here. for L
nm Father short-sighted. Then. as
Edith gladly handed it to her. she con-
inued enthusiastically: That is one
If the mos: exquisite cards ever saw!
/ genuine gem. l wonder if il is some
If your work. Miss Ed;th?'
mo indeed. it is not; I haven'ta
PARTICLE of genius, unless it be for
making candy. That is some of Kit:ie's
work" i
us it. indeei2" and Mrs. Ainsworth
urned to the girl with some surprise.
This work is really very good: You
must have had an excellent teacher" j
Kitty flushed brightly. Il never
lad any teacher at all: what l know 1
have picked up myself as best 1
ouid."
Il should try to find some teacher if .
were you. although You probably
ould not find competent one IN this :
lace. Your best way would be to 60 / !
0 some good art school,
The red on kittie's checks deepened. !
i should most certainly 90 IL / could I